61-69 Abel Smith St
Wellington, New Zealand 6010
office@kiamaufestival.org
’AVAIKI NUI SOCIAL
In the centre of Aotearoa, a gathering of musicians from across the fifteen islands of the Cook Islands will heat up the stage of the Michael Fowler Centre in Pōneke.
A collection of treasured musicians will bring their instruments to the stage – from the community halls, family homes, backyard gatherings and garage parties, this special night of Cook Islands String Bands tells the story of Te Moana Nui a Kiva. A story of Avaiki Nui, the beautiful Cook Islands.
For one night only, we journey across time and ocean to explore the history of Cook Islands string bands and the songs that have provided the soundtrack to moments throughout our lives.
‘Avaiki Nui Social features a handful of our most legendary musicians including Faipoto Aporo, Pania Apolo, Tupou Apolo, Jarome. Our musicians are joined by storytellers Tuaratini and Jarcinda Stowers-Ama, filmmaker The Raro Dog, choreographer Te Hau Winitana and theatremakers Taungaroa Emile, Poe Tiare Tararo, Teherenui Koteka, Roy Iro and Mīria George.
The creativity of our people is in our blood – it is in the extraordinary and in the ordinary of our every day. Our creativity can be witnessed in our carving, weaving, painting – in our writing, composing and our performance. ‘Avaiki Nui Social celebrates the creativity of our musicians, of those who are born into the strings and whose lives have been fuelled by the music.
We have called upon our storytellers, our theatre makers to join us in creating an unforgettable night.
Creative Credits
THE WANDERERS
Faipoto Aporo, Pania Apolo, Tupou Aporo, Ngatoko Aporo, Jarome Pare, Isitolo Alesana
KABIN BREAD BOYZ
Putiani Junior Upoko, Teremoana Greig, Lindsay Junior Unuia, Anthony Rima
BROTHER LOVE
ARDIJAH
Ryan Monga, John Tali, Michael Hansen, Jesse Monga, Peter VanGent, Betty-Anne Monga, Ryan Kaitapu Monga
JAROME
Jarome Pare, Tupou Aporo, Jamie Mata’a
Takitua: Tuaratini
Scene Director: Taungaroa Emile
Choreographer: Te Hau Winitana
Cast: Taungaroa Emile, Poe Tiare Tararo, Teherenui Koteka, Roy Iro
Assistant Director: Poe Tiare Tararo
Production Director: Mīria George
Storywriters: Tuaratini and Jarcinda Stowers-Ama
Set Design by: Horrobin & Hodge
Lighting Design by: James Kearney
AV Design by: Delainy Kennedy of Artificial Imagination
Sound Design: Karnan Saba
Takitua Rakei: Mary Ama and Jarcinda Stowers-Ama
Costume: Sharon Johnstone, Creative Show Off Costume
Director of Photography: Elise Lanigan
Co-Producers: Mīria George, Ahi Karunaharan & Tanya Muagututi’a
Creative Producers: Tuaratini, Jarcinda Stowers-Ama, Mīria George
Image and Promotional Film by: Robert George, The Raro Dog
Communications and Marketing Manager: Stevie Greeks
Festival Technical Director: Natasha James
Festival Technical Manager: James Kearney
General Manager: Dolina Wehipeihana
Executive Director: Mīria George
Artistic Director & Chief Executive: Hone Kouka
Kia Mau Festival Trust: Pele Walker, Jim Moriarty, Tina McNicholas, Maia Wikaira
Stage Manager: Bridget Carpenter
Assistant Stage Managers: Olivia Cowley and Jessie Rochford-Barber
Stage and Backline Technician: Pos Mavaega
Sound Operator: Chris Gee
Associate Lighting Designer & Operator: Dan Wilson
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Grouse Lighting, Western Audio, Illumination Optics, Go Media
Dates
10 June
7pm
Venue
Michael Fowler Centre
111 Wakefield Street
Te Aro
Wellington
michaelfowlercentre.com
Tickets
$45-$25 Full price
$30-$20 Concession
$25-$15 Group 6+
$30-$15 Student
$15-$10 Child
